● Gbajabiamila leads security chiefs to Oriire: “Whatever it takes, our children will return”
President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State and deployed a specialized rescue unit with advanced capabilities to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted two weeks ago.
The move came Sunday as the President sent a high-powered federal delegation to Oriire Local Government Area, following criticism that the FG was not showing enough urgency over the May 15, 2026 kidnapping.
—Top security chiefs hit ground zero—
Led by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, the delegation included NSA Nuhu Ribadu, IGP Tunji Disu, CDS Gen. Christopher Musa, and presidential media aide Sunday Dare. They visited Esiele and Yawota communities where attackers hit Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery & Primary, and L.A. Primary School.
Addressing residents in English and Yoruba, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu was “deeply troubled” and had issued “all necessary directives” with full support for security agencies.
“Whatever it takes, our children and teachers will be brought back home safely. Your pain and anxiety are understood. By the grace of God, your children will return safely to your arms,” he assured.
He added the operation will be “intelligence-led” with both kinetic and non-kinetic measures, after parents appealed for caution.
—Military base request considered—
Community leaders and lawmakers requested a military base in Oriire. Gbajabiamila said the appeal will be conveyed to Tinubu for approval.
The team also visited Soun of Ogbomoso, HRM Kabiyesi Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and met the wife of deceased teacher Mrs. Mary Oyedokun and her two children. Tinubu’s condolences came with a promise the family “will not suffer”.
With forest guards + special unit now activated, pressure is on security agencies to deliver before the abduction hits a third week.
